[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TAX INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING (TIER) ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 25, 2005

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Tax 
Incentives to Encourage Recycling (TIER) Act, legislation to address 
the problem of electronic waste in this country.
  E-waste is a growing problem. With continuing advancements in 
technology, computers, televisions and cell phones are quickly becoming 
obsolete, and soon after arriving on the market, end up in our 
landfills. This equipment contains some toxic material that should be 
recycled or disposed of in a way that does not pose harm to the 
environment.
  For this reason, I have introduced the Tax Incentives to Encourage 
Recycling (TIER) Act. This bill will provide tax incentives to 
computer, electronic and cell phone manufacturers that implement 
recycling programs. The benefits are two-fold: the TIER Act will help 
protect the environment and will keep the costs of computers and 
electronic equipment low.
  The biggest burden to recycling is the transportation of the 
equipment from the residence or business to the recycling center. This 
legislation will provide the incentive for manufacturers or third 
parties to transport old equipment to recycling centers.
  Some state legislatures have already passed laws to impose user fees 
on the purchase of computer equipment. This drives up the cost of 
computers and only serves to further widen the digital divide. We 
should be working to make computer equipment more affordable for all 
Americans.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Cantor, for cosponsoring this 
important legislation. By providing incentives for recycling, we can 
keep the costs of computers reasonable and protect our environment.




                          ____________________